Befriending Project

For advice on how to access or become a Befriender, please call 020 7793 8399or write to Paromaat befriending@ladpp.org.uk

This fantastic group of LADPP volunteers is here to provide company for people who would simply like some friendly support in getting out and about. Whether it is due to a health concern or age, you may simply benefit from enjoying the friendly atmosphere of our organisation.

We pair volunteer 'befrienders' with an individual who may otherwise be at risk of isolation to meet regularly for a chat, or even organize visits to a place of interest such as a library or a museum with others. Through these partnerships, we hope to promote the social integration and independence for all our members, including those who are the most vulnerable members of our society.

Becoming a befriender...

Loneliness can be a common problem among disabled people and individuals in the UK. They face unique challenges in accessing services and engaging with the community.

​Additionally, many people who use our services are refugees and receive limited support to recover from the distress they are experiencing. Consequently, for many, seeing a friendly face once a week can really make a difference to help them on the road to recovery and boost their confidence to engage with the community!

Befrienders are volunteers who spend a couple of hours a week to help someone in need of support or companionship. The little things, such as giving a little of your time to help others, can make a real difference to these people's lives. Befrienders will normally need to be able to speak Spanish or Portuguese.

The 'befriendees' involved are typically Spanish or Portuguese native speakers, all with their own individual needs. They benefit from this service by developing a sense of integration in the community, gaining more independence and also improving their self esteem regardless of their difficulties. ​

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 – 16:00

What does a befriender do?

Meet weekly to listen, talk and be with the befriendee. Social and emotional support is often what is needed most.

Encourage the befriendee’s independence and integration into the local community. Help them access local services through the provision of one-to-one information.

Support their befriendee in coping with life challenges through empathy and companionship.

Attend training, supervision and meetings at the centre.

​“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path”. Buddhist saying

Who can volunteer?

No qualifications are necessary to become a befriender, just your natural interest and commitment! We will provide training and any appropriate support required, including supervision and feedback for volunteers. Whatever your motivation, get in touch to find out more - many of our volunteers for example benefit from simply improving their Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills.

​​If you have any free time during the week, why not come and help us! Email volunteers@ladpp.org.uk for more information.

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